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Inter-limb coupling in coordinated bimanual movement: attention and asymmetries
M A Rogers1, J L Bradshaw, R C Cunnington
1Department of Psychology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Laterality
|October 30, 2004
Summary
Inter-limb coupling limits asymmetrical bimanual movements. This study found coupling is asymmetrical, influenced by hand preference and attention, suggesting attentional factors contribute to observed asymmetries in dextral and sinistral individuals.
Area of Science:
- Motor Control
- Human Movement Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Inter-limb coupling describes the tendency of upper limbs to mirror each other's movements, hindering asymmetrical bimanual tasks.
- Existing research indicates asymmetries in inter-limb coupling, particularly related to hand preference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of inter-limb coupling during asymmetrical bimanual movements.
- To determine if attentional direction influences inter-limb coupling asymmetries.
- To explore the role of attentional asymmetry in explaining handedness-related differences in inter-limb coupling.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted with 32 participants each (16 dextral, 16 sinistral).
- Participants performed continuous bimanual rotary tasks.
- Attention was manipulated by directing participants to focus on specific hands in the second experiment.
Main Results:
- Evidence of inter-limb coupling was observed in a continuous bimanual rotary task.
- The coupling was asymmetrical, with the non-preferred hand contributing more, especially in dextral individuals.
- Directing attention to one hand modified these coupling asymmetries.
Conclusions:
- Inter-limb coupling asymmetries are influenced by both hand preference and directed attention.
- Attentional asymmetry may partially explain the stronger inter-limb coupling asymmetry in dextral individuals compared to sinistral individuals.